Ban on Plastic Bags?
State Senator Marc Basnight is continuing his campaign to have plastic bags removed from all stores in North Carolina.
At first Basnight’s goal was to remove the bags from stores on the Outer Banks Counties, but if this bill is successful, then it could be a law that would be imposed all over the state.
In place of plastic bags would be bags that are made of 100% recycled paper.
The Bill to have plastic bags removed from Dare, Hyde, and Currituck counties was passed on Wednesday. The bill will only apply to retail outlets of more than 5000 square feet and with more than five stores in the state. “We sell beauty on the Outer Banks,” Basnight said. “We want people to come to our community to spend time, to see sunsets, shoreline, water, but you also see these flimsy bags on the shoreline, on the Wright Brothers Memorial.”
It seems the bill is being backed by politicians in both political parties, and environmentalists also back the bill, pointing out that plastic bags require energy to make and usually end up in landfills.
Senator Stan Bingham, a Davidson County Republican who drives a vegetable oil-fueled car, shrugged at Basnight’s proposal. “If that is what the county wants, that’s fine,” he said. What about taking this bill statewide? “Then we’ll talk,” said Bingham. “In my district they’re more concerned about a job than plastic bags.”
Summer Leisure Travel Seems Stable Despite Struggling Economy
It has been predicted by industry experts that Americans will take 322 million domestic leisure trips this summer (June, July, August.) This is a 2.2 percent decrease from last summer, which is relatively stable for the current economic climate that we are facing.
Consumers are expected to take an average of two summer trips, stay approximately seven nights away from home, and spend more than $900 on their longest vacation. “Travelers’ resilience is good news for the travel industry and the entire American economy,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the US Travel Association. “According to our forecast, Americans will do their part this summer to stimulate the economy, save and create jobs and strengthen communities from coast to coast.
The TravelHorizons survey also revealed that nearly six out of ten (57 percent) intended leisure travelers expect to spend the same number of days on vacation as last summer. It seems as if industry trends will lean towards travelers taking more day trips or long weekend getaways.
Travel deals might be one way to convince Americans to go on vacation, and especially the last minute bookings. It is estimated that 38 million US adults have not decided whether or not they will be taking a vacation this year. It is thought that these people are waiting for the economy and their personal finances to improve in the upcoming months.
Gorgeous Outer Banks Art
As pointed out in the Charlotte Observer, Aurelio Grisanty uses his “French-flavored past” to create gorgeous art for the Outer Banks.
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